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Colourful houses and fishing boats in a Sicilian harbour

New dates coming soon: request a quote to be the first to know

Sicily, Aeolian and Egadi Islands explorer flotilla

Sicily & the Aeolian Islands Explorer Flotilla

Sail from Palermo on a two-week journey of exploration through the Aeolian and Egadi Islands: two distinct island groups, each with their own character and charm.

See dates and prices Choose your yacht

Departure
New dates coming soon
Duration
Two weeks
Yacht prices
2027 prices coming soon
Cabin on the lead yacht
2027 prices coming soon
Yachts
31 to 48ft

Sail from Palermo to the Aeolian and Egadi Islands

In another first for Seafarer, we are continuing our regular Pop Up flotilla series with a fantastic exploration east and west along the northern shore of Sicily, sailing through the Tyrrhenian Sea. We will be visiting two distinct island groups, each with their own character and charm.

We start our flotilla from the city of Palermo, the capital, a city rich in history, having been shaped by Phoenician, Roman, Norman and Spanish rule over the ages. The architectural footprints of these styles can be seen in the streets of the city, from Byzantine mosaics to Baroque styles, with a sprinkling of Arab domes. A foodie paradise, Palermo has a vibrant street food scene, and the amazing seasonal produce is often celebrated with festivals and events amongst the narrow streets.

How the Sicily explorer flotilla works

  • Two weeks, starting and finishing at Marina La Cala in Palermo
  • Week one: east to Cefalù and the volcanic Aeolian Islands
  • Week two: west to the lesser-known Egadi Islands
  • Charter your own yacht, or book a cabin on our lead yacht
  • Taxi transfers from Palermo airport take about 30 minutes

Explorer itinerary

Sicily sailing itinerary: the Aeolian and Egadi Islands in two weeks

Your first night is spent exploring Palermo before we set sail east to Cefalù and out to the imposing volcanic Aeolian Islands. At the end of the week we head back to Palermo for a pitstop and another bite of city life, then sail west to the lesser-known but beautiful Egadi Islands. Full details of each day are below.

Sicily and the islands, day by day

Starting and finishing at Marina La Cala in Palermo, over two weeks

  • Aerial view of Palermo and its cathedral, Sicily
    Day 1SaturdaySat

    Saturday

    Palermo

    Fly to Palermo and transfer to Marina de la Cala, in the heart of the city.
  • Cefalù on Sicily's north coast, the old town below its rocky headland
    Day 2SundaySun

    Sunday

    Cefalù

    Cefalù is the perfect first stop on Sicily’s northern coast: scenic, simple, and easy. The town is one of the most atmospheric medieval locations in Sicily, with a striking Arab-Norman cathedral, narrow streets, and restaurants built directly on the rocks above the sea.
  • The volcanic cone of Alicudi in the Aeolian Islands, Italy
    Day 3MondayMon

    Monday

    Alicudi, Aeolian Islands

    Alicudi is the most remote and authentic of the Aeolian Islands. It has no real road network, and daily life still moves at a different pace: donkeys remain a traditional form of transport, and houses have staircase numbers instead of street numbers.
  • Green hills above a curving bay on Filicudi, Aeolian Islands
    Day 4TuesdayTue

    Tuesday

    Filicudi, Aeolian Islands

    Filicudi is one of the wildest and most fascinating islands of the archipelago. It is a perfect destination for sailors who want dramatic scenery, clear water, and a strong sense of nature.
  • View across the sea from the green hillside of Salina, Aeolian Islands
    Day 5WednesdayWed

    Wednesday

    Salina, Aeolian Islands

    Salina is one of the most loved islands in the Aeolian group: green, elegant, and perfectly located for sailing. It is an ideal mid-week stop, combining beautiful bays with excellent food.
  • Lipari town and harbour, Aeolian Islands, Italy
    Day 6ThursdayThu

    Thursday

    Lipari, Aeolian Islands

    Lipari is the practical heart of the Aeolian Islands. It is the largest island, the easiest for provisioning and refueling. Lipari is also a great place to enjoy a lively evening ashore.
  • The volcanic island of Alicudi rising from the sea, Aeolian Islands
    Day 7FridayFri

    Friday

    Alicudi, Aeolian Islands

    Alicudi is also a very specific stop from a sailing point of view: mooring buoys are the practical way to stay near the island.
  • Palermo harbour on the Sicily Explorer flotilla
    Day 8SaturdaySat

    Saturday

    Palermo

    After completing our eastern tour of the Aeolian islands, we sail back to Palermo for a night in the city and a chance to explore.
  • Sicily Explorer San Vito Lo Capo
    Day 9SundaySun

    Sunday

    San Vito lo Capo

    San Vito Lo Capo is a classic stop before crossing to the Egadi Islands. It is known for its wide sandy beach, clear water, and the possibility to spend a night either at anchor or in harbour depending on conditions.
  • Turquoise cove below limestone cliffs on Favignana, Sicily
    Day 10MondayMon

    Monday

    Favignana, Egadi Islands

    Favignana is the largest and most visited island of the Egadi. It is extremely rewarding for sailing because it offers many coves that are easy to reach and perfect for anchoring and swimming.
  • Marettimo village beneath steep mountains, Egadi Islands, Sicily
    Day 11TuesdayTue

    Tuesday

    Marettimo, Egadi Islands

    Marettimo is the wildest and most unspoiled of the Egadi Islands. It is strongly recommended for crews looking for dramatic nature: steep granite cliffs, deep blue water, and sea caves.
  • Whitewashed harbour village on Levanzo, Egadi Islands, Sicily
    Day 12WednesdayWed

    Wednesday

    Levanzo, Egadi Islands

    Levanzo is the smallest of the Egadi Islands and often one of the most appreciated by sailors for its quiet coves and clear water.
  • Sicily Explorer Castellammare Del Golfo
    Day 13ThursdayThu

    Thursday

    Castellammare del Golfo

    Castellammare is one of the most useful stops on the northwestern Sicilian coast. It is a good place for an overnight stay in harbour.
  • Palermo, start of the Sicily Explorer flotilla
    Day 14FridayFri

    Friday

    Palermo

    Time to head back to Palermo for a farewell group meal in the heart of the city.

Week one: Palermo and the Aeolian Islands

From Palermo east to Cefalù and the Aeolian Islands, then back to Palermo, about 192 nautical miles

Week two: the Egadi Islands

From Palermo west to the Egadi Islands and back, about 164 nautical miles

Explorer flotilla routes may vary according to weather and operating conditions, and the distances on the maps are approximate. However, our flotilla crew will keep you fully briefed each day.

Sicily and the Tyrrhenian Sea

The Tyrrhenian Sea, bordered by the western coast of Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, has been an important part of the Mediterranean for centuries, with the historic ports of Palermo and Naples vital hubs of trade and navigation through the ages.

Where does the flotilla start? At Marina La Cala, in the heart of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, about 30 minutes by taxi from Palermo airport.

  • Aerial view of Palermo and its cathedral Our starting point

    Palermo

    Your first night is spent exploring the city, perhaps with a glass of Marsala wine or ice-cold limoncello, before choosing the perfect spot for dinner.

  • Cefalù beneath its rocky headland Sicily’s northern coast

    Cefalù

    One of the most atmospheric medieval towns in Sicily, with a striking Arab-Norman cathedral and restaurants built on the rocks above the sea.

  • The volcanic cone of Alicudi Aeolian Islands

    Alicudi

    The most remote and authentic of the Aeolian Islands, where donkeys remain a traditional form of transport.

  • Lipari town and harbour Aeolian Islands

    Lipari

    The practical heart of the Aeolian Islands: the largest island, the easiest for provisioning, and a great place for a lively evening ashore.

  • Turquoise cove on Favignana Egadi Islands

    Favignana

    The largest of the Egadi, with many coves that are easy to reach and perfect for anchoring and swimming.

  • Marettimo village beneath steep mountains Egadi Islands

    Marettimo

    The wildest of the Egadi Islands, with steep cliffs, deep blue water and sea caves.

Short hops, lazy days and some beautiful stops fill our time in the Egadi Islands, until we reluctantly head back towards Palermo for the end of our adventure. Dramatic, scenic coastlines here have been shaped by volcanic activity: the English word “volcano” is derived from the Italian “Vulcano”, whose origin lies with the Roman god of fire, Vulcan.

Read more in our guide: Getting to our sailing bases by train: Corinth, Pula and Palermo.

Sicily flotilla weather and sailing conditions

The weather in October is generally warm and predictable, with typical daytime temperatures in the mid 20s and cooler evenings. Wind strength is typically force 3 to 5, generally from the north-west, although fresher breezes are not uncommon at this time of year.

The water temperature is perfect for a refreshing dip once the sailing is done.

  • DepartureNew dates coming soonTwo weeks
  • Air temperatureMid 20sCooler evenings
  • WindsForce 3 to 5Generally from the north-west
  • SeaPerfect for a dipOnce the sailing is done

The fleet

Sicily flotilla yachts

Our fleet in Palermo ranges from 31 to 48ft, with yachts from Dufour. Alternatively, book a cabin on our lead yacht, a 2025 Dufour 470.

Every yacht comes equipped as standard with:

  • Dinghy with outboard
  • Full electronic instrumentation, including GPS chartplotters
  • Autopilot
  • Shore power
  • Full safety inventory
  • Comprehensive domestic inventory
Dufour 470, our lead and cabin charter yacht

Book a cabin and join our lead crew

If you don’t have the crew to take your own yacht, why not join our crew on the lead (cabin charter) yacht? We will be using a spacious 2025 Dufour 470, with three double cabins available, offering ample accommodation for crew and guests alike. You’ll join in with all the flotilla activities, and our experienced crew will be delighted to show you the ropes: get involved with the sailing as much or as little as you like, the choice is yours.

Our cabin charter yacht: Dufour 470

With a total of 4 cabins on board, and three en-suite double cabins available to guests, the Dufour 470 is perfectly equipped for our two-week Sicilian adventure.

  • Cockpit of the Dufour 470
  • Saloon of the Dufour 470
  • Layout plan of the Dufour 470

Sicily flotilla dates and prices

New dates for the two-week explorer flotilla, for your own yacht or a cabin on our lead yacht, are coming soon.

Charter your own yacht

This season’s departures have now sailed

New dates are being finalised. Call our sailing team on 020 8324 3118 or request a quote to be the first to know.

Explore our other flotillasSaronic & CorinthLefkasKefaloniaDodecanese

Book a cabin on the lead yacht

This season’s departures have now sailed

New dates are being finalised. Call our sailing team on 020 8324 3118 or request a quote to be the first to know.

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Our promise

The Seafarer Price Guarantee

We will not be beaten on price.

Because we are an independent company, we keep our prices highly competitive: if you see a like-for-like product cheaper elsewhere, let us know and we will beat it.

Specifically, the guarantee applies to yacht and accommodation rates on our Beach Club, Flotilla, Learn to Sail and Cabin Charter programmes operated by Seafarer, and is subject to availability at the time of booking.

What’s included

Your own yacht

  • Fully equipped charter yacht
  • Assistance from the lead crew
  • One full tank of fuel
  • Bed linen and towels
  • End cleaning
  • Area cruising notes
  • Welcome pack
  • Punch party

A cabin on the lead yacht

  • Lead yacht accommodation
  • Fully crewed
  • Fuel, water and gas
  • Bed linen and towels
  • End cleaning
  • Provisioning for breakfast and lunch
  • Punch party

Optional extras

Stand-up paddleboard£100 per week
Child safety netting£150 per charter
Skipper£1,595 per week
Host£995 per week
Outboard engine£100 per week

Compare extras across all our holidays

Not included: mooring charges (except at the flotilla base), extra fuel or water, food and drinks, and personal items such as laundry.

Skippered flotilla sailing

These yachts are usually skippered by guests who hold an ICC or equivalent, but we can also provide a skipper if you have no previous sailing experience. You still get all the benefits of sailing as part of a flotilla: meeting others in the evenings or during the day, organised activities for children, and all the usual pleasures of yachting, from exploring and swimming in secluded bays to the simple joy of travelling under sail.

Read more about skippered flotilla sailing

Book the Sicily explorer flotilla

To book the Sicily explorer flotilla or check availability, whether for your own yacht or a cabin on our lead yacht, get in touch with our experienced team. They will then help you choose the right option for your two weeks around Sicily.

Call or email us

Request a quote

Tell us your dates and party size, and we’ll then come back to you with availability and prices.

Travel

Getting to the Sicily flotilla

Flights are available directly to Palermo from most London airports, and taxi transfers to the marina in Palermo take approximately 30 minutes.

At a glance

Flotilla starts
New dates coming soon
Base
Marina La Cala, Palermo
Transfer from Palermo airport
About 30 minutes by taxi

  • Flights to Sicily: Palermo airport

    The flotilla starts in Palermo, and Palermo airport (code PMO) is about 30 minutes by taxi from Marina La Cala. Direct flights to Palermo from most London airports.


  • Taxi

    Taxi transfers from Palermo airport to Marina La Cala, in the heart of the city, take approximately 30 minutes.

Peace of mind

Book with confidence

Every payment you make to us is financially protected, from deposit to balance. Holidays with flights are covered by our ATOL licence, and holidays without flights by our ABTOT membership. Trading since 1995.


  • ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

    All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected


  • ABTOT Member — No. 5660

    Additional protection for bookings without flights

Sicily explorer flotilla: your questions

Straight answers to the questions we are asked most about this flotilla.

Still have a question?

Speak to our sailing team, or ask for a quote to be the first to know the new dates.

020 8324 3118 Get a quote

What is the Sicily explorer flotilla?

A two-week flotilla from Palermo. Week one sails east along Sicily’s northern coast to Cefalù and out to the volcanic Aeolian Islands; at the end of the week you return to Palermo, then week two sails west to the lesser-known but beautiful Egadi Islands.

What is the sailing itinerary?

Week one: Cefalù, Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina and Lipari (about 192 nautical miles). Week two: San Vito lo Capo, Favignana, Marettimo, Levanzo and Castellammare del Golfo (about 164 nautical miles). Both start and finish at Marina La Cala in Palermo. See the route day by day.

When does it run?

New dates are coming soon: ask for a quote to be the first to know.

How much does it cost?

2027 prices are coming soon, for your own yacht (per yacht, for the two weeks) or a cabin on our lead yacht (per person): ask us and we will send them as soon as they are ready. Optional extras include a skipper (£1,595 per week), a host (£995 per week), a stand-up paddleboard (£100 per week) and an outboard engine (£100 per week). Prices.

Can I book a cabin instead of a whole yacht?

Yes. Our lead yacht, a Dufour 470, is fully crewed, and a cabin includes fuel, water and gas, bed linen and towels, end cleaning, provisioning for breakfast and lunch, and the punch party. About the lead yacht.

Which airport do I fly to?

You fly to Palermo, with direct flights from most London airports. Taxi transfers from Palermo airport to Marina La Cala, in the heart of the city, take approximately 30 minutes. Getting to the Sicily flotilla.

What is the weather like?

The weather in October is generally warm and predictable, with daytime temperatures in the mid 20s and cooler evenings. Winds are typically force 3 to 5, generally from the north-west, although fresher breezes are not uncommon at that time of year, and the sea is perfect for a refreshing dip.

Do I need sailing experience?

To skipper your own yacht you need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or equivalent: the RYA Day Skipper Practical course makes you eligible, and we can arrange the ICC assessment. If you have no previous sailing experience, we can provide a skipper (£1,595 per week), or you can book a cabin on the fully crewed lead yacht (skippered flotilla sailing). You can also see all our sailing holidays.

How do I book?

Call our team on 020 8324 3118 (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00, Saturday 09:30 to 17:00), email info@seafarerholidays.com or ask for a quote, and we will come back to you with dates, availability and prices for your party.

What our flotilla guests say

Our flotilla holidays are rated Excellent, 4.4 out of 5, from 263 independent reviews collected by Feefo (4 November 2026).